Fast-spreading fire in northern California prompts evacuations, state of emergency

The massive plume from the Camp Fire, burning in the Feather River Canyon near Paradise, Calif., wafts over the Sacramento Valley as seen from Chico, Calif., on Thursday. (David Little / AP)

California’s acting Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Butte County as a fast-moving wildfire continues to rage on, prompting massive evacuations.

The Camp Fire started burning early Wednesday morning along the Feather River Canyon near the northern city of Paradise, Calif., and has since spread to 17,000 acres, KTVL reports.

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The Butte County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for multiple zones in the area, including 2, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13, as well as the town of Pulga, all of Pentz Road in Paradise East to Highway 70, the South Pine Zone, Old Magalia Zone, the South Coutelenc Zone and more.

The areas with evacuation orders are home to a local hospital, a retirement home and an elementary school, among others.

60 patients were evacuated from Feather River Hospital as the fire inched closer, and KTVL reports that at least one of the hospital’s buildings was destroyed by the flames.

Still, a spokeswoman for the hospital said that 20 patients were forced to return to the facility thanks to gridlocked traffic.

The blaze has also left nearly 15,000 customers without power, according to KRCR.

Photos showing the looming plumes of smoke were shared to Twitter by the Butte County Fire Department, who warned that the fire was “very dangerous.”

Several residents attempting to escape the incoming danger via car abandoned their vehicles, clogging the few roads that lead to safety with empty cars, according to the Sacramento Bee. The outlet also reports that several residents suffered burns after trying to escape on foot.

“It was so hot. You could feel it, it was horrible” evacuated Paradise resident Taylor Bogue told the Bee of the fire that could have potentially consumed her home.